LONDON -- Chip company STMicroelectronics NV has announcedthat it is working with startup Soundchip SA on an in-ear audio accessory thatallows the wearer to switch between multiple audio sources -- such as music,phone calls, and real-world ambient sound or conversation -- using voicecommands or gesture recognition.
ST has been working with Soundchip (Lausanne, Switzerland)for about one year. Soundchip has particular expertise in audio algorithms andis the originator of the High Definition Personal Audio (HDPA) reference.
The Soundchip smart audio accessory is worn like a pair ofin-ear monitors but they are designed to be worn at all times with modes thatsupport music, telephony and direct conversation without requiring anyadjustment to the in-ear apparatus. This has the benefit of protecting thewearer against unwanted background noise which the system can filter out.Effectively it is a hearing aid for people who are not yet hearing impaired.
Soundchip give the example of being able to initiate a phonecall in a rock concert and allowing the wearer to converse naturally with theearphones in place.
The accessory is intended to physically seal the ear and toswitch between voice, music, or ambient sounds, by pressing a button, by makinga pre-defined gesture or by speaking a voice command. The equipment will use STMEMS sensors, including silicon membrane microphones, for a variety of tasks STsaid.
The ability to link the hearing aid to a smartphone ortablet computer, means that apps can be used to process and mix sound sourcesto deliver additional features such as augmented reality.
"We believe that the smart audio accessory represents agame changing solution that offers the users of smartphones, tablet computersand gaming devices a level of sound experience only dreamed of until now,"said Mark Donaldson, Soundchip CEO, in a statement issued by ST.
This story was originally published on EETimes.
